Karnataka plans free bus travel for school boys, student-friendly transport system on cards

Bengaluru: In a major move aimed at improving student safety and accessibility, the Government of Karnataka is planning to introduce a comprehensive student-friendly transport system across the state. As part of this initiative, the government is considering extending free bus travel benefits in KSRTC buses to boy students up to Class 12.

Currently, free travel benefits are largely limited to girl students under various schemes. The proposed expansion seeks to ensure equitable access to safe and affordable transportation for all school-going children. The move follows recommendations made by the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, which has urged authorities to prioritise student safety, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Officials said the primary objective of the initiative is to provide reliable and secure transport facilities for students who depend heavily on public buses for daily commuting. Several incidents of children falling from overcrowded buses and sustaining injuries have been reported in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for safer alternatives.

To address overcrowding and accessibility issues, the proposal includes introducing dedicated school and college bus services on high-demand routes, especially in rural belts. Additional trips during peak hours—morning and evening school timings—are also being planned to ease congestion.

State Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy stated that the initiative would be implemented in a phased manner. “A child-friendly transport system is being designed for the state. In the first phase, it will be rolled out in districts surrounding Bengaluru and later expanded gradually,” he said. He also added that efforts are underway to procure additional buses to support the scheme.

The proposed framework places strong emphasis on safety. All buses under the scheme are expected to be equipped with CCTV cameras, GPS tracking systems, and emergency panic buttons. Displaying the child helpline number 1098 inside buses will be mandatory. Authorities are also planning strict enforcement of route adherence and schedules to ensure reliability.

In addition, drivers and transport staff will undergo mandatory annual refresher training focused on child safety and rights. This includes awareness of laws related to child protection. The proposal also recommends deploying महिला conductors on routes with a higher number of girl students to enhance safety and comfort.

Officials  said  that the initiative aims not only to improve transportation but also to support uninterrupted education by making daily travel safer, more accessible, and student-centric.